ARCOLA - The Mac Murray Theatre has opened its doors for another year and the Observer caught with Arcola Optimist Club president Blake Brownridge for an interview.
The Optimist Club, which was formed in Arcola in 1982, consists of 30 members and has operated the theatre since the early 1990s. Jeff Bohnert is vice-president and Glen Lawson is its secretary-treasurer.
“The theatre is an important part of our heritage,” said Brownridge. “It was operated privately for many years and then, some 30 years ago, our club decided to take it on as an ongoing project. We did a major renovation back then and then around 10 years ago, added new seating and a digital projector.
“Both the front lobby and upstairs were renovated back in 2016. The Arcola Optimist Club has contributed over $300,000 to theatre upgrades over the years and thousands of hours of volunteer labour. We have also partnered with the Arcola High School SRC to supply manpower and keep our students involved in the community. In turn, our club provides them with an annual donation.”
The “Mac” has movies every Friday and Saturday night from Thanksgiving to Victoria Day weekends and has a seating capacity of 210. It is also used by many community and school drama groups and for the annual Remembrance Day service. Live country music concerts, which were to begin this month, have been deferred to the new year due to health restrictions.
All those that attend must be double vaccinated as per provincial and town guidelines. To ensure a smooth operation, the theatre requires six crews of 6 volunteers. To date, they only have five. If you are willing to volunteer your time, please contact Brownridge at 306-577-9904.
“I am very proud to be president of the Arcola Optimist Club for the past nine years”, added Blake. “The Mac Murray Theatre is an important part of our Main Street and is well supported by both residents of Arcola and the surrounding area. And here’s hoping we have another successful snowmobile rally the last Saturday of January. It is our major fundraiser of the year and supports the theatre.”
While many readers of the Observer have attended a movie or show at the Mac, there are many that have not. It is an impressive facility, and one that Arcola and area should be extremely proud of.
For upcoming shows and concerts, please look up Mac Murray Theatre on its Facebook page. Details of the upcoming snowmobile rally will be provided in further editions.
